Asthma Attacks Expected to Rise By 20% in Winter

News Desk

Islamabad: Pulmonologist Dr Javaid Khan recently revealed that approximately 7 percent of Pakistan’s population is currently grappling with asthma, with a projected surge of 20 to 25 percent in the coming weeks.

With an alarming uptick in patients experiencing severe ‘asthma attacks during peak periods of thick smog, Dr Khan has proposed a proactive media campaign to raise awareness. Additionally, he strongly advises asthma patients to take timely precautions and refrain from traveling during episodes of dense smog to mitigate health risks.

While talking to a private news channel in Islamabad on Wednesday, Dr Khan further stated that rapid changes in the weather, especially the rapid onset of cold weather, are directly responsible for decreased lung function in asthmatics.

Prevention is better than cure. People should avoid allergic things and medicines that cause asthma, he added.

Dr Javaid mentioned that children whose diets are low in vegetables and vitamin E are two to three times more likely to develop asthmatic symptoms than other children, irrespective of other factors such as family size, affluence, and parental smoking.

Moreover, asthma stops the growth of height in children.

Early mornings and evenings are full of dust motes and mites that trigger asthma seizures, the pulmonologist said, adding that it is better that children with a history of asthma do not venture out during the early hours.

The disease should be cured at the initial stage. Since a permanent cure for asthma is not currently available, with proper medication usage, patients can live a normal life.

Lungs Specialist Dr Javaid Khan advised citizens to adopt a proper diet and wear face masks to reduce the risk of asthma attacks and other allergies during the winter, as asthmatics need to be very careful about the type of fat they are consuming.Asthma Attacks Expected to Rise By 20% in Winter

Dr Javaid urged doctors to educate their respective patients in order to provide maximum awareness of asthma and its management.

He suggested the patients keep the windows of their vehicles shut during the journey and clean the inside of the vehicle thoroughly, removing dust with a vacuum cleaner, before embarking on the journey.

Experts said asthma could be controlled and patients could lead a normal life by making positive lifestyle changes, taking proper precautions, and having timely treatment.

People with asthma and their families need education to understand more about their asthma. This includes their treatment options, triggers to avoid, and how to manage their symptoms at home, he said.

It is important for people with asthma to know how to increase their treatment when their symptoms are worsening to avoid a serious attack.

Healthcare providers may give an asthma action plan to help people with asthma take greater control of their treatment, he added.